10 of the Biggest Mobile Home Questions Answered

10 of the Biggest Mobile Home Questions Answered

Moving into a new mobile home? Getting rid of an old one?
There are tons of questions from mobile home demolition to purchasing your
first one.

1. What’s the
lifespan of a mobile home?

On average, today’s manufactured mobile homes have a
lifespan between 30-55 years! 15 years may seem like a big gap there, but you
have to take into account weather, location, and of course whether or not you
keep up with maintenance.

2. How are mobile
homes built?

Most mobile homes are built in an incredibly quick assembly
line process located in a controlled environment in a factory. This allows them
to be constructed quickly and for a relatively low price. Generally, the
process starts with a steel frame for floor support and assembly. The walls are
usually built in a separate area and completed out, then added after flooring.
Next, all plumbing, wiring, and HVAC installations happen. Topped with a roof,
the home then has sheetrock added, kitchen fixtures, and windows installed.

3. How much do mobile
homes cost?

Mobile home prices vary based on several factors, just like
regular homes:

Size (double or single)

Condition (if pre-owned)

Lot size

Location in the city

Mobile home community

A new home can top off the low end around $36,000 (single
wide) to $84,000 and up for a brand new double wide.

4. What’s my mobile
home worth?

Just like the pricing above, there’s no way to generally
estimate it without a contractor or consultant well versed in appraisals. The
factors will be similar to the ones for buying a new home like size, condition,
and location.

5. Do mobile homes
have load bearing walls?

Yes and no- it all depends on your home. Typically single
wide homes will not have any lead
bearing walls, whereas doublewides will.

6. Can mobile homes
be moved?

It’s all in the name- these homes were meant to be able to
relocate. Unless you’ve made alterations that keep it from traveling most homes
can be moved. Consult with a professional and have them inspect your home
before trying to relocate on your own.

7. Can mobile homes
be remodeled?

Just like normal homes they can definitely be renovated. It’s
worth noting however that they are subject to the Manufactured Home
Construction and Safety Standards, or “HUD Code,” rather than local
building codes that home demolition typically follows.

Deconstruction – This is more expensive than demolition and not the best option for all homes. However, it may produce some salvageable parts and materials.

Relocation – Since not all mobile homes can actually be moved, it isn’t an option for everyone. It’s more expensive than demolition, and time it takes depends on the condition.

Find a mobile home demolition contractor near you

9. How does mobile
home demolition work?

Once it’s all clear, it’s as simple as having the right
equipment to tear down the basic structure of the trailer. It’s best to hire a
professional demolition contractor who knows which permits you need and what
can/can’t be thrown in the dump.

10. How long does
mobile home removal/demolition take?
With the help of a bulldozer or a good excavator
it shouldn’t take more than a few hours to complete demolition on a mobile home
of any size!